USCIS Preparing to Reopen Offices for Public Services Starting June 4

USCIS announced that it will resume public non-emergency services at some  local offices within the United States commencing Thursday, June 4, 2020.  The number of appointments and interviews at reopened offices will be limited to facilitate social distancing.

WHICH SERVICES ARE RESUMING

Interviews and Appointments
USCIS intends to send notices to applicants and petitioners with previously scheduled appointments and interviews. Recipients should follow the instructions in the notice.  Those who had other appointments must reschedule through the  USCIS Contact Center  once field offices are open to the public.

Restrictions:
Visitors will be  limited to the applicant, one representative, one family member and one individual providing disability accommodations. If a translator is needed,  the applicant should arrange to have their interpreter available by phone.

Visitors may not enter a USCIS facility if they:

• are symptomatic for COVID-19, including cough, fever or difficulty breathing.
• have been in close contact with anyone known or suspected to have VOVID-19 within the alt 14 days.
• have been directed to self-quarantine by a health care provider or public health official within the last 14 days.

If you receive a USCIS  appointment notice and you are sick, you should not attend the appointment.  You should reschedule the appointment following the instructions on the appointment notice.  There is no penalty for rescheduling the appointment due to illness.

Naturalization Ceremonies
USCIS will begin to reschedule postponed naturalization ceremonies.  Ceremonies will be streamlined and attendance will be limited to the naturalization candidate and individuals providing assistance to disabled persons.

Application Support Centers (ASCs)
USCIS will automatically reschedule ASC appointments, which include appointments for biometrics collection.  Individuals will receive  new appointment letters in the mail, with specific safety instructions.  Individuals who appear at a date or time other than that which is specified in the appointment notice may encounter significant processing delays.

Asylum Offices
USCIS asylum offices will automatically reschedule asylum interviews that were cancelled during the temporary closures. When USCIS reschedules the interview, asylum applicants will receive a new interview notice with the new time, date and location for the interview and information about safety precautions.  Please review the USCIS notice for additional information concerning protocols for affirmative asylum interviews and non-detained or reasonable fear interviews.

WHAT VISITORS SHOULD EXPECT

Visitors to USCIS offices may not enter the facility more than 15 minutes  prior to their scheduled appointment or 30 minutes prior to the naturalization  ceremony, as applicable. Visitors should prepare as follows:

• Hand sanitizer will be provided for visitors at entry points.
• Members of the public must wear facial coverings that cover both the mouth and nose when entering facilities. If they do not have one, USCIS may provide one or the visitor will be asked to reschedule their appointment.
• There will be markings and physical barriers in the facility; visitors should pay close attention to these signs to ensure they follow social distancing guidelines.
• Individuals may have to answer health screening questions before entering a facility.
• Individuals are encouraged to bring their own black or blue ink pens.

Please visit the USCIS offices closure page for the status of individual USCIS offices.  USCIS will continue to provide limited emergency services at offices that remain  closed if special arrangements are made through  the USCIS contact center.

For additional information about this alert, please contact your designated Gibney representative or email info@gibney.com.